NLL: Home-Grown Colin Achenbach Retires from Minnesota
Swarm

Achenbach, 27, is the only Minnesota born player to have worn a
Swarm uniform in the team's six-year history. The graduate of Apple
Valley High School signed with the Swarm as a free agent on Nov.
12, 2007.

"I would like to send my thanks to the Swarm organization,
General Manager Marty O'Neill, the Arlotta's and to all Swarm
fans," Achenbach said. "It has been an honor and a pleasure to play
professional lacrosse in my hometown. It means a great deal to me
and I feel very fortunate. I'm also thankful for all the
friendships I have developed over the years with my teammates."

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound defenseman appeared in 19 games with
Minnesota from 2008-10 and recorded 14 points (3g, 11a), 63 loose
balls and 14 PIM. He made his NLL debut against the New York Titans
on Feb. 8, 2008 and recorded his first career goal against
Philadelphia on April 12.

"Many times when players leave our organization it is
bittersweet," General Manager Marty O'Neill said. "With Colin, this
is certainly the case. On the one hand we are very disappointed
that he will no longer be a part of the Swarm organization, but on
the other hand we are excited for what the future holds for him as
he moves into the next phase of his life.

"He has been a team player through and through, playing many
times despite his injuries. At the same time, Colin has always been
available to the community with service and a smile. Since the
commitment to play at the NLL level has held Colin back in many of
his personal pursuits, he has made a decision that we understand
and respect to step away from the sport and the Swarm at this time.
We wish him all the best in his decision now and down the
line."

Prior to his time with the Swarm, Achenbach was a member of the
New York Titans practice squad in 2006 and played in the MLL with
the Philadelphia Barrage. In college, Achenbach was an All-American
attacker for C.W. Post from 2004-06 and at Pace University form
2002-04. The Apple Valley, Minn. native graduated from Apple Valley
High School in 2002 where he was also an All-American in
lacrosse.

"Colin has always been one of my favorite players not just for
what he has done on the field, but also for what he has done off
the field," Owner John Arlotta said. "He has been a constant
advocate for the growth of lacrosse in Minnesota, and not only have
the Swarm been fortunate to have him here, but the entire Minnesota
lacrosse community has benefited from his contributions to the
sport. When Colin eventually looks back at this time in his life,
he will be justifiably proud of his accomplishments in lacrosse,
including being a professional lacrosse player. However, I believe
he will find even greater satisfaction in knowing that he has been
such a positive influence on kids throughout the state of
Minnesota.

"On behalf of my son Andy and the entire Swarm organization, we
thank Colin for his contributions to the Swarm and the sport of
lacrosse, and we wish him all the best in his future
endeavors."

Achenbach was actively involved in the lacrosse community during
his time with the Swarm and will continue to help grow the sport in
the Twin Cities in the future.

In 2003, Achenbach co-founded Homegrown Lacrosse, a non-profit
organization dedicated to supporting the growth of lacrosse in
Minnesota. He also holds assistant coaching positions at both
Eastview High School (Apple Valley, Minn.) and the University of
St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minn.).

"The decision to retire was a long process that was spent with
my family, Marty and all of my peers that I respect," Achenbach
said. "I weighed out my different options and decided it was time
to move onto new adventures in my life.

"Even though I'm stepping away from professional lacrosse, my
involvement with the sport in Minnesota is not going to change. I'm
still pushing forward with Homegrown Lacrosse, as well as coaching
at Eastview High School and the University of St. Thomas. Coaching
lacrosse and growing the sport is something that means a lot to me
and I will continue to be involved."